What is the length of a UK bus?

Double-decker coaches in the UK have traditionally been 12 metres (39 feet 4 inches) in length, though many newer models are about 13.75 metres (45 ft 1 in). Coaches are normally built to 4.38 metres (14 ft 4 in) high, while 'highbridge' buses are normally about 20 centimetres (8 in) taller.



The length of a standard UK bus varies significantly depending on its type and intended use. Here’s a general breakdown:

1. Single-Decker Buses

  • Standard: Typically 10 to 12 metres long (approx. 33 to 39 feet).
  • Midibuses: Smaller single-deckers, often used on quieter routes, are around 8 to 10 metres long (26 to 33 feet).

2. Double-Decker Buses

  • Standard: The iconic double-decker is most commonly 10 to 11.5 metres long (33 to 38 feet). The most famous model, the Routemaster, was 8.38m (27.5 ft), but modern versions are longer.
  • Articulated Double-Deckers: Extremely rare in the UK, but a few exist and can be over 18 metres long.

3. Articulated Buses (Bendy Buses)

  • Once more common in London, these are usually around 18 metres long (59 feet).

4. Coach/Bus Hybrids

  • Longer single-deck vehicles used for longer-distance routes can be up to 15 metres (49 feet).

Regulatory Maximum

In Great Britain, the legal maximum length for a rigid single-deck bus is 13.5 metres. For a rigid double-decker, it’s 15 metres. Articulated buses have a maximum length of 18.75 metres.

A Common Benchmark

If you’re imagining a typical modern double-decker bus on a city route (like

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